Lens assembly method and systems

Abstract

Methods and systems for mounting a lens in a lens cell. The system may include a spindle assembly including a motor and a spindle, which may be an air bearing spindle, a passage within the spindle and an opening at the end of the passage at the surface of the spindle head, a vacuum source connected to the passage of the spindle to create suction at the opening, a stage configured to securely receive a lens mount with a lens cell such that a central axis of the lens cell is coaxial with the axis of rotation of the spindle, a micropositioner configured to reposition the lens on the spindle head, and a motion gauge configured to detect eccentric rotation of a lens as lens motion when the lens is positioned on the head of the rotating spindle.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A system for mounting a lens in a lens cell, the system comprising:
 a spindle assembly including a motor and a spindle which can be activated to rotate about an axis of rotation, the spindle including a head having a surface, an airtight passage within the spindle, and an opening at the end of the airtight passage at the head surface; 
 a vacuum source connected to the airtight passage of the spindle to create suction at the opening; 
 a stage configured to securely receive a lens mount with a lens cell such that a central axis of the lens cell is coaxial with the axis of rotation of the spindle; 
 a micropositioner configured to advance or retract within a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation; 
 a motion gauge configured to detect movement of an object. 
 
     
     
       2. The system of  claim 1  wherein the micropositioner includes a body and a head, wherein the head is configured to be advanced and retracted relative to the body in increments as small as 0.004 inches. 
     
     
       3. The system of  claim 1  wherein the motion gauge comprises a dial indicator. 
     
     
       4. The system of  claim 1  wherein the motion gauge is configured to detect movement as small as a movement of 0.0001 inches. 
     
     
       5. The system of  claim 4  wherein the motion gauge comprises a head, wherein the motion gauge is configured to detect motion of an object when the head is in contact with the object. 
     
     
       6. The system of  claim 5  wherein the motion gauge further comprises a display which is configured to display a measurement of movement when movement of an object is detected. 
     
     
       7. The system of  claim 1  wherein the motion gauge is configured to advance and retract in the same plane as the micropositioner. 
     
     
       8. The system of  claim 1  wherein the stage and the air bearing assembly are mounted in alignment, further comprising a translation element configured to bring the spindle into and out of proximity with the stage while maintaining the alignment. 
     
     
       9. The system of  claim 1  further comprising a UV light source. 
     
     
       10. The system of  claim 1  wherein the spindle rotates on an air bearing. 
     
     
       11. A system for mounting a lens in a lens cell, the system comprising:
 a spindle assembly including a motor and a vertically oriented spindle, the spindle including a head having a surface at a lower end, an upper end comprising an air bearing, an air passage within the spindle, and an opening at the end of the air passage at the head surface, wherein the spindle is configured to rotate about a central axis on the air bearing; 
 a vacuum source connected to the air passage of the spindle to create suction at the opening in the head of the spindle; 
 a stage directly beneath the head of the spindle, the stage configured to securely receive a lens mount with a lens cell such that the central axis of the lens cell is coaxial with the central axis of the spindle, wherein the stage is configured to be moved vertically while maintaining the central axis of the lens cell coaxial with the axis of rotation of the spindle; 
 a micropositioner configured to advance or retract horizontally, and wherein the micropositioner includes a head which can be advanced or retracted horizontally to a location in proximity to the head of the spindle; 
 a motion detection gauge configured to detect motion of a lens when the lens is positioned on the head of the spindle. 
 
     
     
       12. The system of  claim 11  wherein the micropositioner includes a body and a head, wherein the head is configured to be advanced and retracted relative to the body in increments as small as 0.004 inches. 
     
     
       13. The system of  claim 11  wherein the motion gauge comprises a dial indicator and wherein the motion gauge is configured to detect movement as small as a movement of 0.0001 inches. 
     
     
       14. The system of  claim 13  wherein the motion gauge comprises a head, wherein the motion gauge is configured to detect motion of an object when the head is in contact with the object, further comprising a display which is configured to display a measurement of movement when movement of an object is detected. 
     
     
       15. The system of  claim 11  wherein the motion gauge is configured to advance and retract horizontally in the same plane as the micropositioner to a location in proximity with the lens when the lens is positioned on the head of the spindle. 
     
     
       16. The system of  claim 11  wherein the spindle assembly includes an air bearing upon which the spindle is configured to rotate. 
     
     
       17. The system of  claim 11  further comprising a UV light source.